The ruling class has power because they are the dominant class, controlling the principle aspects of the economy and the state.
The opposite is actually true. The working class is actually the real driving force behind the economy and the state. We represent the majority. That gives us the real power.
A more engaged working class within the confines of a capitalist system will not actually make the difference you think it will.
This is also not true. As the majority, the working class has far more leverage than you think. We can stop production any time. Pull the whole thing down, or start it back up again. The only reason we don't exercise that power is because we are not engaged.
It isn't a question of moral apathy, but a real, material process and system with real imbalances.
You are correct...it isn't about "moral apathy"...it's about political apathy. The "real, material process and system of imbalances" only exists because the working class chooses not to exercise its power.